Cotonou, Benin's gateway city is situated on the Gulf of Guinea and boasts a bustling street life full of vendors, friendly people, and good food. Most travelers from Europe and the United States begin their trip in Cotonou, since it is the site of the international airport and in-country travel is most easily arranged here.

Cotonou is Benin's largest city and home to many governmental and diplomatic offices. Travelers will appreciate its restaurants, markets, and nightlife .Cotonou is the economic capital to Benin.

It happens to be one of the major cities in Benin with a population of 800,000 inhabitants. The other major cities include,
Porto-Novo, capital of Benin 200,000 inhabitants Parakou 110,000 inhabitants, Abomey 70,000 inhabitants, Natitingou 60,000 inhabitants.

French is the official administrative language and for International relations.

The city is best known as a major port because of the Autonomous Port of Cotonou. It is also home to an airport and a railway between it and Parakou.